Quick response of a chaperon prevents child abduction at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

WASHINGTON - Police say the quick response of a chaperone prevented the abduction of a child at a popular D.C. museum.

Officers say the attempted abduction happened on March 3rd as a group was leaving the north entrance of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

They say a white male grabbed the hand of one of the children and tried to walk away with them. He was spotted by a group chaperone who immediately yelled at the man to let the child go. The suspect then quickly fled and was believed to have boarded a nearby shuttle bus.

Videos released show two men of interest. The first is described as a white male with brown hair and is reported to speak with an accent. The second is a white male with grey hair and is described as heavyset.

Authorities are asking any bus companies that had a drop off or pick up between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on that date – or anyone with information to call United States Park Police at 202-610-8737.